Chicago-Area 4th Of July Events Kick Off With Festival Of Life, American Music Festival

CHICAGO (WLS) — It may not be the actual holiday, but for many, Monday was a day to celebrate.

In Plainfield, as people settled into their lawn chairs at Bott Park for a dusk fireworks display, the park’s parking lot was transformed into a food truck festival.

“It’s really fun, I like how they have everything like the activities are fun everybody is dancing,” said Gianna Thompson.

“It’s close to home, it’s good food, good music the kids are having fun so it’s always a good,” said Cybrian Thompson.

In Naperville, a special Fourth of July celebration and salute to the nation’s heroes was held at Rotary Hill, featuring a live band and family entertainment.

“It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate our independence and honor our veterans and those that are currently serving as well as our first responders,” said Michele Clemen of the Naperville Salute Charitable Organization.

Proceeds from the four-day celebration will go to Naperville Responds for Veterans. Last year they raised $50,000 to help with home repairs, renovations and construction.

Make sure to check out the International Festival of Life in Washington Park, Chicago and the American Music Festival at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn, IL.

In Chicago, many were off work, outdoors and catching a break from the rain.

“It’s amazing this is what we live for in Chicago. A perfect day, perfect time, and it’s a complete contrast to yesterday,” said Denise Loyd.

The African Caribbean International Festival of Life in Washington Park celebrated the uniqueness of Caribbean cultures and commonality of humanity with food, music and arts.

“I’ve been coming here since I was a kid. Washington park area, born and raised, Chicago. What’s more summertime in Chicago than being in Washington Park?” said Trevor Thompson.

Thompson’s attire was direct from Kingston, Jamaica.

SEE ALSO | Fireworks 2023 near me: Full list of July 4th fireworks displays, events across Chicago area

Ephraim Martin, originally from Jamaica, started the festival 30 years ago.

“Love, it’s about peace and happiness. Understand where we are coming from, and who we are. That’s what the Festival of Life is all about. It’s a grand celebration of people coming together,” Martin said.

In Berwyn, it is the 40th anniversary of the American Music Festival at FitzGerald’s.

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Shane Van Gisbergen Wins NASCAR Cup Series Street Race; XFinity Series Will Not Resume

CHICAGO (WLS) — Shane van Gisbergen won the NASCAR Cup Series in Grant Park on Sunday afternoon.

After multiple weather delays, the race finally kicked off, but it was cut down to 75 laps from 100 laps. That race was supposed to begin at 4:05 p.m., but started just after 5:15 p.m.

“It was crazy seeing the rain. I was heartbroken, thinking I wasn’t gonna go,” said Caron Steele.

It was a long day of uncertainty, but fans finally heard that beloved sound.

READ MORE | Chicago Cubs-Guardians game delayed due to possible inclement weather, team says

“It’s just so exciting to hear the sound of the cars rippling through the city,” said Stuart Llewellyn.

Pit crews did what they could to clear the track of standing water after hours-long deluge, using every resource available, including a leaf blower.

WATCH: ABC7 Team has fun with NASCR driver Ryan Preece

ABC7 Chicago Team has some fun with NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece ahead of the race.

“Once we saw it was tapering off, we saw they were drying the cars off, we got excited. We hit it, and got down here,” said John Llewellyn.

Elijah Williams helped sing the national anthem, which they moved inside the media room to usher in the race.

“I’ve been a racing fan pretty much my whole life, and this is actually my first NASCAR event. And, I got the opportunity to perform. It feels surreal,” Williams said.

WATCH: NASCAR podcaster Andrew Kurland shares excitement

NASCAR podcaster Andrew Kurland joined ABC7 to talk about his excitement for the first-ever Chicago street race and a new era of NASCAR.

Fans were more than ready, especially since the weather kept drivers off the race past their scheduled start time.

“I feel like a soggy mess. My sweatshirt is soaked. My shoes, I feel like I’m walking on water, but it’s worth it,” said Amber Jeschke.

“We got absolutely soaked, but we had a fun time,” said Will Otter.

“I’m excited about it. I mean, it’s the first time anything like this has happened, so I’m very happy to be part of it,” said Malcolm Majors.

WATCH: NASCAR Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese ready for race day

NASCAR Chicago Street Race President Julie Giese talks to ABC7s Christian Piekos ahead of first race.

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Fireworks 2023 Near Me: Full List Of July 4th Fireworks Displays, Events Across Chicago Area

CHICAGO (WLS) — Here is ABC7 Chicago’s yearly list of fireworks shows in our viewing area. See the list below for Chicago-area and suburban 2023 Fourth of July fireworks shows organized by county.

This list may not include all municipalities. To add yours – Contact Us

WATCH: Firework safety tips

CFD is urging caution for anyone using fireworks in Chicago.

COOK COUNTYChicago: Navy Pier Independence Day Fireworks & Celebration

Chicago’s Navy Pier celebrates Fourth of July weekend with a firework show over Lake Michigan

Saturday, July 1 (more dates every Wednesday and Saturday in the summer)

9 p.m. fireworks show

Navy Pier

600 E. Grand Ave.

Chicago, IL 60611

Barrington 4th of July Celebration

Sunday, July 2

9:30 p.m. fireworks show

Barrington High School

616 W. Main St.

Barrington, IL, 60010

Bartlett 4th of July Festival Fireworks

Tuesday, July 4

9:15 p.m. fireworks show

Community Park

S. Bartlett Rd. and Stearns Rd.

Bartlett, IL 60103

Bridgeview 3rd of July Celebration

Monday, July 3

9:15 p.m. fireworks show

Commissioners Park

8100 S. Beloit Ave.

Bridgeview, IL 60455

Buffalo Grove Fourth of July Fireworks and Concert

Tuesday, July 4

7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Willow Stream Park

651 Old Checker Road

Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Burbank Party in the Park

Saturday, June 24

9:30 p.m. fireworks show (event begins at 12 p.m.)

Narragansett Park

77th and Narragansett

Burbank, IL 60459

Burr Ridge Pleasant Dale Park District Independence Day Fireworks

Monday, July 3

Dusk fireworks show (event begins at 5:30 p.m.)

Walker Park

7425 S. Wolf Road

Burr Ridge, IL 60527

Des Plaines Independence Day Celebration

Sunday, July 2

Dusk fireworks show at approximately 9:15 p.m. (gates open at 7 p.m.)

Oakton College

1600 E. Golf Road

Des Plaines, IL 60016

Elgin Fourth of July Celebration

Tuesday,

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Weekend Of Juneteenth Events Mixes History, Celebration And Fun; ‘This Is About The Freedom Of Our People’

Willie Edwards is a 75-year-old Waukegan native. She is a grandmother, and a great grandmother. She said she learned about Juneteenth only a few years ago, and she recently bought a T-shirt online with a message to wear when she celebrates now.

Reading “Juneteenth, June 19th, 1865, because my ancestors weren’t free in 1776,” Edwards said her parents never told her about the Southern United States her mother fled at 9.

“They kept us away from all that,” Edwards said. “They were trying to protect us. They wouldn’t let us go down South because they were afraid of what may happen. I’ll be telling my grandchildren and great grandchildren about their history while they sit at my feet.”

Wygenia Brisco, third from left, talks to U.S. Rep Brad Schneider while her great nieces, Alivia Bone, second from left, and Allani Nort, listen.

Wygenia Brisco, third from left, talks to U.S. Rep Brad Schneider while her great nieces, Alivia Bone, second from left, and Allani Nort, listen.

Edwards was among more than 750 people at the Juneteenth youth celebration Monday at Whittier Elementary School in Waukegan, capping a four-day weekend of events commemorating the end of chattel slavery in the United States.

Sylvia England, the founder of the African American Museum in Waukegan, said it is important for people old enough to remember the days of legislated discrimination in the South against Black people to deprive them of voting and other rights, to tell their stories.

“My great, great, great grandmother was born a slave,” England said. “It was hard to research. People should tell their stories. When we put bits and pieces together, we get a bigger story.”

Starting Friday with a cookout in Zion, there was a historical bus tour through Waukegan, North Chicago and Lake Bluff, and a party in North Chicago Saturday. After a gospel concert in North Chicago Sunday, the holiday weekend ended with a prayer breakfast in Mundelein and the youth event Monday.

Pony rides were part of the entertainment at the Juneteenth youth celebration Monday in Waukegan.

Pony rides were part of the entertainment at the Juneteenth youth celebration Monday in Waukegan.

Brandon Ewing, one of the organizers of the weekend’s events and the president of the Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Board of Education, said it is important to make sure the next generation knows the story of Juneteenth. A party atmosphere helps the mission.

“It’s important to keep telling the story so the next generation and the ones after them … know the truth about American history,” Ewing said.

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The 32 Best Chicago Attractions

chicago, skyline, chicago skyline, millennium park, the bean, bean, cloud gate, attraction, tourist, downtown, cityPhotograph: Shutterstock

The best Chicago attractions include museums, vast city parks, jazz clubs and theaters.

Chicago might be the Second City, but our attractions are first class. Need evidence of that fact? Look no further than the many Chicago museums, where you’ll find everything from the best-preserved T.Rex skeleton ever found to paintings from Van Gogh and Picasso. Or take a stroll through our gorgeous parks and gardens, home to some of the best public art in Chicago (hello to The Bean). Or spend a day swimming in Lake Michigan’s surprisingly huge freshwater waves at one of the many Chicago beaches, or see a jazz show at a bar once frequented by Al Capone, or have a Michelin-starred meal at one of the best Chicago restaurants… the list goes on. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a lifelong Chicagoan looking to see a little more of their home city, we’ve curated a list of the very best attractions Chicago has to offer, just for you.

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Best Chicago attractions

1. Art Institute of Chicago

What is it? Located in downtown Chicago, the Art Institute is a great art museum that is home to more than 300,000 artworks that span centuries.

Why go? Here, you can find one of the world’s most iconic paintings like Georges Seurat’s A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (which you may have seen in the cinematic classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks and Grant Wood’s American Gothic. Afterwards, explore the stunning Modern Wing, itself a work of art by architect Renzo Piano, or special exhibitions like Life and Afterlife in Ancient Egypt, featuring artworks and artifacts spanning 3,000 years.

2. Lincoln Park Zoo

What is it?

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Interactive Museums In Chicago | Choose Chicago

Brimming with a variety of hands-on exhibits, interactive museums in Chicago offer visitors the unique opportunity to engage with art, science, history, and culture. These one-of-a-kind spaces showcase everything from legendary athletes to sweet frozen treats to immersive art experiences. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s an interactive museum in Chicago for everyone.

Check out these must-visit interactive museums in Chicago.

Color FactoryColor Factory ball pitColor Factory

Located inside the iconic Willis Tower, Color Factory aims to inspire visitors to discover and embrace artful wonder and joy. This vibrant immersive museum partners with creatives, art institutions, nonprofits, and brands to produce thoughtfully curated experiences for individuals of all ages. 

Explore a wide range of whimsical installations and rooms, such as a St. Patrick’s Day-inspired green ball pit and a 1,500-square-foot maze based on Chicago’s iconic architecture. In addition, every visit includes sweet honeydew ice cream from local dessert shop Kurimu and colorful souvenirs designed by artists. 

Sloomoo Institute

Children play at the Sloomoo Institute Chicago

At the Sloomoo Institute, children and the young at heart are encouraged to experiment with soft, stretchy, and colorful slime. Play with dozens of different handcrafted slimes or even create your own custom design at the DIY slime bar. From pastel fluffy slime to see-through ooze packed with glitter, this hands-on museum features slime of all textures, scents, and colors. And when you’ve had your fill of slime fun, engage with kinetic sand, immersive CGI videos, and glow-in-the-dark elements.

Medieval Torture Museum

Tucked away in the Loop, the Medieval Torture Museum is ideal for adults with a morbid curiosity. Discover the chilling details of the darkest parts of the medieval period, all while examining more than 100 historical devices and tools designed for torture. 

Every ticket comes with an audio guide, featuring dozens of stories from criminals and victims, recorded and performed by a professional actor. Additionally, brave souls can access the included ghost-hunting experience through an app to locate ghosts within the museum and hear their grim tales.

WNDR Museum

An infinity mirror room a the WNDR museum in Chicago

Let’s Survive Forever by Yayoi Kusama, photo by Kirsten Miccoli

Experiential and provocative, WNDR Museum showcases dynamic, multisensory works of art. Thanks to a brilliant collective of designers, artists, and poets, this innovative museum in the West Loop merges technology and art to bring to life 20-plus interactive installations and exhibits.

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12 Things To Do In Chicago After Dark

Compared to other sleepless cities, like Las Vegas and New York, Chicago may not be the most obvious destination for late-night revelry, but the Second City is really second to none when it comes to past-your-bedtime fun. During the day, this mighty metropolis is well known for its world-class museums, festivals, shopping, parks, and restaurants. Come sunset, the city continues to awe. Under the twinkling glow of one of the country’s best skylines, you’ll find all manner of activities and attractions worth staying up for, from bougie billiards and after-hours museums to sleight of hand with a side of goat cheese. The all-night entertainment isn’t confined to summer, either. Just because the winter weather outside is often frightful doesn’t make nightlife in Chicago any less action-packed—plus there’s the added bonus of “after dark” in winter meaning “any time after, like 4:30 pm.” Which means more time to partake in any of these 12 things to do in Chicago after dark.

Game Room | Photo by Clayton Hauck

Pair billiards with fried chicken sandwiches

Loop
Bocce gets a serious glow up at Game Room, a retro-chic billiards bar nestled inside the Chicago Athletic Association hotel downtown. A far cry from the endearingly dusty dive bar stereotypes, this modestly dubbed bar is a sprawling adult playground filled with classic games like bocce, chess, shuffleboard, and checkers—all served up with food and drink menus that go far beyond the call of checkers duty. Owned by the same folks behind some of Chicago’s most beloved late-night haunts, like Parson’s Chicken & Fish and Lonesome Rose, you’ll find crowd-pleasing snacks like Parson’s fried chicken sandwiches, Lonesome Rose beef tacos, whitefish patty melts, and foot-long hot dogs, plus frozen Malort cocktails (if you know you know) and other classic-inspired tipples. It’s game on until 11 pm Monday – Thursday, and until 2 am Friday – Saturday.

Empty BottleEmpty Bottle

See a free late-night show

Ukrainian Village
Late-night live music is a rite of passage in Chicago, and while there are always new venues popping up all over town, there’s always something nostalgic about revisiting an old haunt. For the most heartwarming, intoxicating blast from the past, head to the Empty Bottle, a Ukrainian Village institution that’s been pumping out live shows and dirt-cheap beer since 1992.

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Chicago Celebrates Unofficial Start To Summer With Event-Packed Weekend

chicago

Updated on: May 29, 2022 / 12:59 AM CDT / CBS Chicago

Memorial Day brings weekend of events in Chicago

Memorial Day brings weekend of events in Chicago 01:30

CHICAGO (CBS) — Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start to summer, and this year Chicago is kicking off the season in style, hosting dozens of fun events, including a brand new musical festival downtown. 

CBS 2’s Marissa Perlman stopped by Grant Park where Sueños Chicago was in full Swing Saturday with crowds, music and dancing. 

The all-new festival celebrates Latin Reggaton, and Saturday it had Grant Park packed with thousands of people for the beginning of the two-day festival. 

It also brought a huge security presence, and streets were closed off around the show. 

There were big headliners like J-Balvin and Ozuna, bringing out big crowds, especially for lovers of Latin music. 

Saturday night also brought the Belmont Sheffield Music Festival in the heart of Lakeview. With that came deejays, lawn games and cover bands, plus everything Chicago street festivals are known for: food and drink. 

Despite a recent wave of violence and high COVID-19 numbers hitting the city, people said they have been looking forward to celebrating the unofficial start to summer on this long weekend. 

“I just really came for the vibes. I know that sounds so silly, but I love all the artists,” said Seuños fan Angie Sanchez. 

“I’m really excited this even existed because I’ve never heard of a Latino festival in Chicago,” said Jordan Alvarez.

These events have brought heavy traffic to Chicago. The city is encouraging anyone heading out to use public transportation all weekend long. 

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A 15-Year-Old Boy Died By Suicide After Relentless Cyberbullying, And His Parents Say The Latin School Could Have Done More To Stop It

chicago

By Megan Hickey

April 25, 2022 / 10:44 PM CDT / CBS Chicago

After son’s suicide following relentless cyberbullying, parents say school could have done more 05:42

CHICAGO (CBS) — A 15-year-old boy named Nate Bronstein was enrolled at one of the most prestigious private schools in Chicago and had a promising future — that is, until his parents say he became a victim of relentless cyberbullying by his classmates.

Nate took his own life. 

And in an exclusive interview with CBS 2 Investigator Megan Hickey, his parents allege that the Latin School of Chicago could have done more to stop it. 

Rose and Robert Bronstein never fathomed that they’d be speaking about their son, Nate in the past tense.

“I still can’t process it,” said Rose Bronstein.

“He definitely wanted to go to a college that had big time sports,” said Robert Bronstein. “He loved to make people laugh, and laugh himself.”

And of the school, Rose added, “It’s a toxic culture – so toxic that we lost our son from it.”

The Bronsteins’ 10th-grader was a super-sharp, funny kid; A pillar in their family of five. He was a new transfer last fall to the Latin School of Chicago, at 59 W. North Blvd. in the Gold Coast.

But he was bullied by his classmates to the point that he didn’t want to live to see his future. 

“It had been kept from us, so that’s why we were completely, completely taken off guard when this happened,” said Robert Bronstein.

The Bronsteins had concerns about their son adjusting to a new school — and according to a 68-page lawsuit just filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, they raised those concerns repeatedly with administrators. 

But according to the filing, they had no idea about the extent of the cyberbullying that tormented Nate. 

But the Bronsteins say Latin did. 

“Our son would still be alive today if Latin would have done their job and reported to us what had gone on within the school,” said Rose Bronstein.

The Bronsteins say they were never told that on Dec. 13, 2021, Nate asked for a meeting with his dean of students to report that several students were bullying him via a text message thread provided to CBS 2,

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Guide To The Musical ‘Chicago’ On Broadway | New York Theatre Guide

Learn about the musical’s record-breaking Broadway revival, its many celebrity casts, how to get tickets, and all that jazz.

Gillian Russo

Enter a world of jazz, crime, and razzle dazzle at Chicago on Broadway. Set in the 1920s and based on real events, this satirical show follows wannabe jazz age stars who get their fame not just for their singing or dancing talent, but for committing murders that make sensationalized headlines all across the city of Chicago.

But even though their lawyer claims all you need is razzle dazzle — that “long as you keep them way off balance, how can they spot you’ve got no talents?” — Chicago’s success isn’t built on artifice; the musical showcases genuine talent in spades. Stars like Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, and Ann Reinking helped the show take off in its early days, and numerous stage and screen stars have since shown off their talents in the lead characters’ shoes.

Chicago was met with mixed reviews upon its 1975 premiere, but in the nearly 50 years since, the musical, its songs, and its choreography have all become an iconic part of Broadway history. The current production celebrated 25 years on Broadway in 2021 and has set and broken numerous records in that time. Read on to learn all about the history, casts, and fun facts of Chicago, and all the basic information you need to know before heading to the Ambassador Theatre to see the show on Broadway.

Get Chicago tickets now.

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What is Chicago about?

Chicago centers on Roxie Hart, a chorus girl who dreams of being a vaudeville star. She’s cheating on her sweet but dim-witted husband named Amos — and when her lover tries to end their affair, she kills him in a fit of rage. Getting thrown in the Cook County Jail seems like a surefire end to Roxie’s dreams of stardom, but her sentence ends up being her ticket to fame.

Her lawyer, the smooth-talking Billy Flynn, helps her concoct a defense that earns the press’s sympathy and gets her face on the cover of every newspaper in Chicago. And while in jail, Roxie meets Velma Kelly, an established vaudeville star who murdered her husband and sister.

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